Compass Dance Academy

For families in Massillon, Ohio, and the surrounding communities, Compass Dance Academy aims to be a place where young dancers can grow their skills, build confidence, and find positive role models. The academy strives to offer a warm and welcoming environment for all its students, emphasizing a joyous approach to dance that inspires self-confidence, mental and physical wellness, and healthy social relationships. With a variety of classes designed for all ages and skill levels, Compass Dance Academy seeks to welcome new members into its growing family of instructors, parents, and students, all sharing a love and passion for dance.

Compass Dance Academy emphasizes a philosophy that centers on guiding each dancer to "find their true north" and understand the purpose behind their unique gifts. The academy focuses on training dancers in a joyous atmosphere where excellence is modeled through grace and encouragement, rather than fear or perfectionism. This approach aims to build beautiful visual communication that aids in the holistic development and affirmation of children and young adults, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The studio's commitment is to mentor each dancer to reach their full potential and inspire them to use their talents locally and globally.

Compass Dance Academy is located at 405 Erie St S Suite D, Massillon, OH 44646, USA. While the provided information lists this address, it's worth noting that their website also mentions a location at 3643 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646, USA, stating it's attached to a Family Dollar and next to a Speedway. It appears there might be multiple or newly expanded spaces. For the most accurate and current location for your specific class, it is always recommended to directly confirm with the academy.

Regardless of the precise suite number, the Massillon location makes Compass Dance Academy accessible to residents throughout Massillon and nearby areas in Stark County, Ohio. Being situated within Massillon means that the studio is a convenient option for local families looking for dance instruction without extensive travel. Its presence in the community aims to serve as a local hub for dance education, making it an easy destination for students to attend classes regularly and build their skills.

Compass Dance Academy offers a variety of dance styles to cater to different ages and skill levels. While specific class schedules are best confirmed directly with the academy, their offerings generally include:

• Creative Movement: Classes for young children (e.g., 3-year-olds) that combine stories and music to develop motor skills, rhythm, flexibility, coordination, and confidence, introducing basic ballet steps.
• Creative Movement/Tap: For slightly older children (e.g., 4-5 years old), these classes are typically 45 minutes and include elements of ballet and tap.
• Foundational Ballet/Tap: Designed as a bridge class (e.g., for 5-year-olds in Kindergarten) to further develop basic ballet and tap skills.
• Ballet/Tap 1, 2, and 3: Progressive levels for various age groups (e.g., 6-8 year olds, 8-11 year olds) to establish a basic foundation in ballet and tap, focusing on muscular self-control, coordination, and expression.
• Placement Classes: For students starting as early as age 8 with previous dance experience, these evaluated classes aim to advance technique and form.
• Teen Level Classes: Beginner/intermediate level classes for teenagers, including styles such as Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, and Tap, cultivating an encouraging environment.
• Adult Level Classes: Beginner/intermediate level classes for adults in styles like Ballet, Contemporary, and Tap, with an intermediate/advanced Ballet option for experienced dancers.
• Contemporary: A modern dance style emphasizing expressive movement.
• Modern: Explores foundational modern dance techniques.
• Musical Theatre: Combines dance with elements of acting and performance suitable for stage.
• Private Lessons: Available for personalized instruction, typically during daytime hours, with other time options potentially sought out.
• Summer Classes and Camps: Seasonal offerings like "Princess Dance Camp" and various summer sessions for different age groups and styles.

Based on the provided information and common practices for dance studios, here are some intended features and highlights of Compass Dance Academy, alongside some points to consider from varied customer experiences:

• Intended Nurturing Environment: The academy states it offers a "warm environment making every student feel welcomed" and aims to help students "grow with the same love and passion for dance as our instructors." Positive reviews reinforce this, noting that Miss Heather and the teachers are "amazing" and help students' "skills and confidence have grown so much," serving as "better role models."
• Focus on Holistic Development: The studio's philosophy highlights building "self confidence, mental and physical wellness and healthy social relationships," and mentoring dancers to "reach their full God given potential" and "use their gift locally and around the world."
• Variety of Dance Styles: The academy's curriculum includes Creative Movement, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Modern, and Musical Theater, catering to diverse interests and ages from 2 years old through adult.
• Qualified and Dedicated Instructors: The positive review highlights teachers like Miss Heather as "amazing" role models. The website lists instructors with degrees in dance, education, and certifications in yoga, indicating a commitment to qualified teaching staff.
• Community and Mentorship Focus: The "About" section on their website emphasizes discipleship and mentoring, aiming to build a family of instructors, parents, and students, and enhancing the world locally and globally.

However, it is important for prospective families to be aware of mixed customer experiences. One detailed negative review highlighted significant concerns including:

• Punctuality and Instruction Quality: Allegations of a teacher frequently being late, on their phone, eating during class, and dismissing students early, resulting in significantly less instruction time than paid for.
• Communication Issues: Difficulty contacting management directly, lack of timely information regarding dates and upcoming events, and costumes being distributed only a day before pictures.
• Financial Discrepancies: Charges for classes not attended (e.g., half of June when no classes were held), unrefunded tickets for recitals, and late fees for online payment processing issues.
• Recital Preparation Concerns: A teacher reportedly not teaching the entire routine with only two weeks until recital, leading to a student's heartbreak and withdrawal.

For inquiries and enrollment, you can reach Compass Dance Academy through the following contact information:

Phone: (330) 327-2537

Mobile Phone: +1 330-327-2537

Address: 405 Erie St S Suite D, Massillon, OH 44646, USA (Please verify the specific studio location and entrance upon contact, as their website mentions another address).

For locals in Massillon, Ohio, Compass Dance Academy aims to be a suitable choice for dance education, offering a range of classes from Creative Movement to various ballet, tap, contemporary, modern, and musical theater styles for all ages. The academy's stated philosophy emphasizes a warm, welcoming environment where students' skills and confidence can grow, and teachers strive to be positive role models, as supported by some long-term positive customer experiences. The focus on holistic development and community building can be appealing to families looking for more than just dance steps. However, prospective local users should carefully consider the mixed reviews. While some families have had wonderful experiences and seen significant growth in their children, serious concerns regarding professionalism, communication, and financial practices have also been raised by other customers. Therefore, while the academy presents itself as a nurturing environment, it is advisable for interested locals to engage directly with the studio, clarify policies, and perhaps observe classes to ensure their expectations align with the actual experience before committing. This due diligence can help ensure a positive and transparent experience for all involved.

Compass Dance Academy

405 Erie St S Suite D, Massillon, OH 44646, USA